Acura MDX vs. Honda Pilot
The Acura MDX and Honda Pilot are two fine examples of midsize 3-row SUVs, though they appeal to entirely different audiences. The MDX frolics in the luxury end of the pool and costs about $10K more than the Pilot. While that price difference is significant, the MDX has upscale styling, higher-grade materials, more standard technology features, and sportier driving dynamics. The MDX has a better warranty, too. Both SUVs employ a 3.5-liter V6 engine, but the MDX has slightly more horsepower, and its transmission has one additional gear. However, the Honda manages marginally better fuel economy than the Acura. The Pilot can accommodate eight passengers, whereas the MDX seats only seven. Front-row occupants will likely prefer the MDX, but those in the second and third rows will undoubtedly appreciate the Pilot’s extra space and more comfortable seats. While the Pilot performs admirably in NHTSA and IIHS safety tests, the MDX aces them with top scores in all areas.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$48,741 - $62,494
Used Asking Price:
$37,500 - $50,998
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
53.7%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$38,798 - $51,617
Used Asking Price:
$31,798 - $45,877
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
44.4%
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
9.3 / 10
Retained Value:
7.0 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.6 / 10
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 21Ranking
4 out of / 25iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 61Ranking
2 out of / 25Ranking
3 out of / 31Summary Review
Not yet available
Summary Review
The Honda Pilot is one of America’s favorite three-row family vehicles. All but two trim levels offer seating for eight passengers, though many buyers opt for the 7-passenger configuration with two large captain's chairs in the second row.
Pros and Cons
Not yet available
Pros and Cons
- Seating for up to 8 in almost every trim
- Family-friendly features galore
- Among the largest interior volume and cargo capacity of this segment’s SUVs
- One of the most “made-in-America” models in this segment (Alabama)
- No green (hybrid/electric) powertrain option available
- Overdue for an update
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Trim Levels
SH-AWD Type S w/Advance Package, SH-AWD Type S, Base, w/Tech, SH-AWD w/A-SPEC, SH-AWD, SH-AWD w/Tech, SH-AWD w/Advance
Trim Levels
SE, Sport, EX-L, Touring-7P, Touring-8P, Elite, Black Edition, TrailSport
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain
6 years / 70000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
290 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque:
267 foot-lbs @ 4700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.068 hp per pound
Tow/Haul Capacities:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
280 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
262 foot-lbs @ 4700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.069 hp per pound
Tow/Haul Capacities:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined MPG):
19 / 26 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
352 / 481 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 27 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
390 / 527 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Seats:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Seats:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.6 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
60.3 inches
Cargo Space:
16.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
71.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
155.4 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
62 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
62 inches
Cargo Space:
16.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
83.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
169.4 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4271 lbs
Width:
78.7 inches
Height:
67.1 inches
Length:
198.4 inches
Wheelbase:
113.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4030 lbs
Width:
78.6 inches
Height:
70.6 inches
Length:
196.5 inches
Wheelbase:
111 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/55R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
20.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted alloy
Tire Size:
245/50R20
